Mullingar Women Dig Deep to Retain Lead and Secure a Win on the Road

Mullingar clinched a thrilling 19-17 victory over Clondalkin in a hard-fought encounter that showcased their determination, resilience, and defensive prowess. The match began with an explosive start from Mullingar as Jodi Aherne beating the defence on the wing gave her team an early lead. 

Shortly after, Alana Norris made her mark by slicing through Clondalkin's defensive line to secure Mullingar’s second try. The first half continued with Mullingar’s forwards putting in a strong shift, with strong tackles from Gallagher and McGauran. After a strong burst forward Aine Hayden added to Mullingar’s score by diving over the try line for their third score. This initial surge gave Mullingar a solid lead, despite Clondalkin's domination in the scrums they kept pushing forward. O’Brien’s pace supported by the backs quick line speed especially at scrum time and Burzawa’s effective jackling helped them recover crucial possession, putting Clondalkin under consistent pressure.

The first half concluded with the Mullingar forwards grateful for the halftime break after a grueling series of scrums. Clondalkin came out strong in the second half, dominating possession and pressuring Mullingar’s line. For the first twenty minutes, Mullingar defended with sheer grit, highlighted by Norris’s vital try save that kept Clondalkin from scoring. Mullingar cleared the line but Clondalkin were back in their faces again in no time. A break on the wing seemed like Clondalkin would finally get over in the corner but at the last second Doonan drove her into touch. 

Clondalkin's sustained pressure finally paid off in the last quarter with a try from a close-range pick-and-go. As Mullingar tired under relentless attacks, again forced to defend their try line, Clondalkin seized the moment and scored a second try, narrowing Mullingar’s lead. Clondalkin with a kick to touch deep into the Mullingar half resulted in yet another scrum. An infringement led to a penalty try for Clondalkin closing the gap to just two points with under ten minutes to go.

In the final minutes, Mullingar's unyielding spirit shone through. Determined to protect their narrow lead, they pushed Clondalkin back, keeping play in the opposition’s half. It looked like Hayden might go again but Clondalkin had a fire in their belly and weren’t going to let that happen easily. With sheer grit and tactical focus, Mullingar ran down the clock, securing a memorable 19-17 victory. 

Mullingar's defensive tenacity and teamwork were crucial in this nail-biting win. Despite Clondalkin’s dominance in the scrums and significant possession, Mullingar's discipline and defensive resilience allowed them to hold on for a narrow victory. 

Mullingar Team

Sinead Gallagher, Ruby McGauran, Anna Scanlon, Aoife Doonan, Eve Byrne, Susie Burzawa, Abigail Johnston, Robyn O’Brien, Aine Hayden, Johanna Walsh, Alana Norris, Clodagh O’Brien, Jodi Aherne, Meabh O’Hara, Emily Flynn.